Joyful Gratitude

The last time I was in the office of Tom Leeman, our business manager, I saw a big stack of PSA pledge envelopes on his desk. That made me happy, not because I want money—it doesn’t come to me personally—but because I am eager for all of us to participate in the diocesan Pastoral Services Appeal. Three weekends ago you saw the diocesan video for the PSA during announcement time at Mass. Two weekends ago you saw my video and heard my appeal at all the weekend Masses. Last weekend we did not add an appeal because I know you have already received the message. But if you have not yet pledged or contributed to the Pastoral Services Appeal, I urge you to do so.

I have titled this message “Joyful Gratitude.” I am more grateful to you than words can describe, and I am grateful to God for you. Together we have made our new Pastoral Center a reality, and we are putting it to good use. God has blessed us so abundantly that I believe this year’s PSA is a call to joyful, grateful giving. I’ve done my best to remind you of all the important ministries that the diocese provides to people who really count on that assistance. As we reach out to them in this appeal, I hope we do so in a spirit of gratitude, joy, and generosity. “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Mt. 10:8)

You can contribute and pledge at www.rcbo.org/psa-give-now . Please be sure to select St. Edward the Confessor as your parish, so that we can give joyful witness to the generosity of our parish community. I know that God will continue to bless us!

Gratefully yours,